Bubbles

A recent Friday at 10:12 a.m.: Anthony Torres’ blond beehive wig and an ample application of pink lipstick brought Bubbles to life inside a small Tenderloin apartment. Torres’ quiet, self-conscious persona transformed as Bubbles’ confidence filled the room. Makeup was checked one last time in the mirrored lenses of a hot pink pair of sunglasses.

Torres had a full day planned, and Bubbles was coming along for entertainment. This is the case on most days. Money is tight for Torres, an unemployed hairdresser who lives on disability payments. He often uses Bubbles as a way to pass the time. A walk down the street dressed as Bubbles commands attention and offers a thrill.

On the way to meet a friend, Torres headed to North Beach by way of Chinatown. Shopkeepers smiled and waved as Bubbles bounced past. Tourists stopped to take pictures. Random people felt compelled to start up conversations. One woman joined arms with Bubbles, and they skipped down the sidewalk like Dorothy and the Tinman.

“I don’t know how to explain it,” said Torres, who refrains from sticking a label or even gender to his alter ego. “Bubbles is just Bubbles. I feel empowered. The attention is nice, and it makes me feel important and loved.”

Torres came up with the idea for his androgynous counterpart 16 years ago – not long after moving to San Francisco from Phoenix. “In San Francisco you can get away with doing this. It’s an escape from every mundane day, and San Francisco allows me to do that. Bubbles is like a toy, in a way.”

Photo: The Chronicle

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Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres does a last second makeup check before heading out for the day in San Francisco, Calif.

Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres does a last second makeup check before heading out for the day in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Anthony Torres transforms his look into Bubbles in San Francisco, Calif.

Anthony Torres transforms his look into Bubbles in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres puts to finishing touches into his look in San Francisco, Calif.

Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres puts to finishing touches into his look in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres shows off pink lipstick in San Francisco, Calif.

Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres shows off pink lipstick in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres sits on his couch in San Francisco, Calif. "It hard to explain. Bubbles is just Bubbles," said Torres.

Dressed as Bubbles, Anthony Torres sits on his couch in San Francisco, Calif. "It hard to explain. Bubbles is just Bubbles," said Torres.

Photo: The Chronicle

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With the help of a can of hairspray, Anthony Torres transforms into Bubbles in his apartment in San Francisco, Calif.

With the help of a can of hairspray, Anthony Torres transforms into Bubbles in his apartment in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles rides the elevator with a neighbor in his apartment building in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles rides the elevator with a neighbor in his apartment building in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles heads through the Tenderloin in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles heads through the Tenderloin in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles checks voicemail in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles checks voicemail in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles passes out signature "Shut up and dance" stickers to interested parties in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles passes out signature "Shut up and dance" stickers to interested parties in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles entertains a request to be photographed in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles entertains a request to be photographed in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles touches up makeup in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles touches up makeup in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles poses for a camera in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles poses for a camera in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Bubbles leaves a signature "Shut up and dance" sticker on the side of a truck in San Francisco, Calif.

Bubbles leaves a signature "Shut up and dance" sticker on the side of a truck in San Francisco, Calif.

Photo: The Chronicle

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Anthony Torres adjusts his final look for Bubbles before heading out for the day in San Francisco, Calif.

Anthony Torres adjusts his final look for Bubbles before heading out for the day in San Francisco, Calif.